94 10. THE BUDDHA’S CHIEF OPPONENTS AND SUPPORTERS
Anáthapióðika used to visit the Buddha daily and, finding that peo-
ple were disappointed in the absence of the Buddha, wished to know
from the Venerable Ánanda whether there was a possibility for the
devout followers to pay their respects when the Buddha was on his
preaching tours. This matter was reported to the Buddha with the result
that the Ánanda-bodhi tree,^152 which stands to this day, was planted at
the entrance to the monastery.
Puññalakkhaóá, a very virtuous lady, was his wife. Mahá Subhaddá,
Cúþa Subhaddá, and Sumaná were his three devout daughters. The elder
two had attained stream-entry (sotápatti), while the youngest was a
once-returner (sakadágáì). His only son Kála, who was at first irreli-
gious, later became a stream-enterer (sotápanna) by the skilfullness of
the father.
Anáthapióðika breathed his last after hearing a profound discourse
from Venerable Sáriputta.^153 As he was about to die he sent a messenger
to inform the Buddha that he was seriously ill, that he paid his homage
to him and to request the Venerable Sáriputta to have compassion on
him and visit him in his house. As invited, the Venerable Sáriputta,
accompanied by Venerable Ánanda, proceeded to his house and inquired
about his health. He replied that he was suffering from an acute pain
and that he saw no signs of progress.
The Venerable Sáriputta then preached a profound discourse. Tears
came to his eyes at the close of the sermon. Venerable Ánanda seeing
him in tears asked him whether he was sinking. Anáthapióðika
answered: “Not at all, Venerable Sir. Though I have long attended on the
Master and his disciples, never did I hear such a discourse.”
“Such profound discourses are not taught to the white-robed laymen
as they cannot comprehend their meaning but are reserved for advanced
disciples,” replied Venerable Sáriputta.
But Anáthapióðika begged Venerable Sáriputta to expound such
intricate Dhamma to the laity as well for there would be some who
could understand.
Not long before the departure of these two great disciples
Anáthapióðika passed away and was immediately reborn in Tusita
heaven.
At night Deva Anáthapióðika, illuminating the whole Jeta Grove,
came up to the Buddha, saluted him, and extolling the virtues of Venera-
ble Sáriputta, expressed his pleasure on seeing the Buddha and his
disciples residing in his monastery, and said:
- See page 79.
- Majjhima Nikáya iii, 262; Further Dialogues of the Buddha, vol. ii, pp. 302–305.